Family Day 2007

Family Day 2007 for the freshman class of '10. See more photos in the gallery.

Every year, first year medical students have the chance to bring their parents to class. Family Day provides these parents, many of whom have been supporting their sons and daughters through the rigors of medical school financially and emotionally, with the opportunity to show their support in person.

Distance is no obstacle between parents and their children. Several families flew in to Loma Linda from states such as New Mexico and Florida.

Throughout Family Day, parents and students share a classroom experience. Beginning—like all of life does—at embryology, the families also spent time studying physiology and physical diagnosis. Following lunch, the students left their parents to fend for themselves to rehearse for the evening's dedication service. Parents and other family members were treated to an inspiring presentation on "Our Added Value" by Gerald R. Winslow, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Spiritual Life and Wholeness, and an entertaining report on the School of Medicine's heritage and achievements by H. Roger Hadley, MD, Dean.

In the afternoon students and family had free time to tour various School of Medicine facilities such as the Drayson Center, Physical Diagnosis, and the Medical Simulation Center.

In the evening, all of the students and families gathered in the Loma Linda University Church sanctuary for a dedication vespers. Pastor Randy Roberts shared a homily. At the end of the service all of the freshman students were dedicated, with faculty and staff praying over them. The students received Bibles donated by Ruben and Frances Matiko.